When it comes to varicose veins, few people associate this disease with internal organs. Most often, the pathology of the lower extremities is associated with it. Meanwhile, the portion of the varicose veins in the pelvic veins, which are not visible to the armed eye, accounts for at least 5% of the total share of vascular diseases, and most patients learn of the diagnosis by chance.
This form of the disease mainly affects women of childbearing age. They have pelvic varices accompanied by symptoms similar to gynecological inflammation, consequences of hormonal disorders and pathologies of the genitourinary system. That is why the disease has not been treated for a long time and continues to progress, leading to serious, even life-threatening complications.
Causes and risk factors
Under the varicose veins of Organs pelvic organs in women, doctors understand a change in the structure of the vascular walls, characteristic of other types of disease - weakening followed by stretching and the formation of "pockets" within which the blood stagnates. Cases where only the pelvic organ vessels are affected are extremely rare. In about 80% of patients, along with this form, signs of varicose veins of the inguinal veins and vessels of the lower extremities are observed.
The incidence of varicose veins in the small pelvis is more pronounced in women. This is due to anatomical and physiological characteristics that suggest a tendency to weaken the venous walls:
- hormonal fluctuations, including those associated with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy;
- increased pressure in the small pelvis, which is characteristic of pregnancy;
- periods of more active filling of the veins with blood, including cyclic menstrual periods, during pregnancy, as well as during sex.
All of the above phenomena belong to the category of factors that cause varicose veins. And they are found exclusively in women. The greatest number of patients face varicose veins in the small pelvis during pregnancy, as there is a simultaneous stratification of triggering factors. According to statistics, among men, varicose veins in the small pelvis are 7 times less common than in the weaker sex. Its set of provocative factors is more diverse:
- hypodynamics - long-term preservation of low physical activity;
- increased physical activity, especially dragging weights;
- obesity;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- sexual dysfunction or lucid refusal to have sex.
A genetic predisposition can also lead to pathology of the plexuses located within the small pelvis. According to statistics, varicose veins in the perineum and pelvic organs are most often diagnosed in women whose relatives suffered from this disease. The first changes in them can be seen in adolescence during puberty.
The greatest risk of developing inguinal varices in women with pelvic vessel involvement is seen in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case, we are talking about congenital weakness of the veins.
Typical symptoms
In women, pelvic varices are accompanied by severe, but non-specific symptoms. Often, the manifestations of this disease are considered signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women with pelvic vessel involvement are:
- Pain in the lower abdominal region unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Its intensity depends on the stage of the venous damage and the extent of the process. For the first degree of varicose veins in the small pelvis, mild, periodic pain is characteristic, which extends to the lower back. In later stages, it is felt in the abdomen, perineum and lower back, and is long lasting and very intense.
- Profuse mucous secretion. The so-called leukorrhea does not have an unpleasant odor, does not change color, which would indicate an infection. The discharge volume increases in the second phase of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Even before menstruation begins, the pain in women increases, until difficulties to walk appear. During menstrual bleeding, it can become unbearable, spreading throughout the pelvic, perineum, lower back and even the thighs.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins in the groin in women is discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is felt in the vulva and vagina and is characterized as a dull pain. It can be observed at the end of intercourse. In addition, the disease is accompanied by increased anxiety, irritability and mood swings.
Like varicose veins of the small pelvis in men, the female part of patients with this diagnosis is gradually losing interest in sex. The cause of the dysfunction is constant discomfort and a decrease in the production of sex hormones. In some cases, infertility may occur.
How are pelvic varices treated?
If women have symptoms of pelvic varices, treatment should be started as soon as possible. The main direction of therapy is to restore vascular tone, strengthen your walls and improve blood flow in the pelvic area.
In the case of varicose veins of the small pelvis, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins of the small pelvis are detected in women during pregnancy, a phlebologist and a gynecologist are involved in the treatment.
Disease therapy requires an integrated approach. It includes several treatments:
- Conservative impact. It consists of regular and long-lasting medications. Using this method, you can cure pelvic varices at an early stage, when the vessels have partially lost their tone.
- Drug-free therapy. It consists in adhering to the daily exercise routine. The method is considered auxiliary, although it depends on reducing the risk of further progression of varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. It is used when other methods are ineffective, as well as when a disease is detected in later stages.
Drug therapy involves taking several groups of drugs that can not only eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also improve the condition of the veins:
- Venotonics, which are designed to improve venous flow;
- A drug that reduces blood density and is prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
- Complex remedy to reduce unpleasant symptoms and strengthen blood vessels;
- Herbal preparation designed to reduce edema, eliminate inflammation;
- A vitamin complex developed to strengthen the venous walls.
Almost all venotonic medications for small pelvic varices should not be taken during pregnancy. If symptoms progress, your doctor may prescribe them in minimal doses after 12 weeks of gestation.
Surgery of varicose vessels in Organs pelvic organs is considered a last resort. It is used in the absence of positive dynamics with prolonged drug use. The methods of surgical treatment used may differ depending on the location of the vessels damaged by the disease:
- if only the internal veins are affected, the ovarian vein is ligated;
- with a combination of varicose veins in the pelvic organs and varicose veins in the perineum, the surgeon performs the vena cava ligation;
- with a combination of varicose veins in the small pelvis and lower extremities, a crossectomy is performed
Before and after the intervention, women should take a course of medication therapy, wear compression clothes and follow a strict diet for weight loss.
Prevention
Preventing outbreaks and reducing the risk of progression is just as important as therapeutic measures. It means exercising for pelvic varices and following a special diet. With their help, you can:
- to reduce weight, that is, to reduce the load on blood vessels;
- improves blood flow;
- reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
- reduces the risk of other complications.
In the set of exercises for varicose veins of the small pelvis, you can include the classic "Birch" and "Scissors with feet", "Bicycle" and toe lift from the standing position. These loads stimulate the flow of blood from the small pelvis, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which helps to reduce the swelling of the veins. It is necessary to exercise with varicose veins of the small pelvis regularly, preferably every day, morning and evening.
The peculiarities of the diet for varicose veins of the small pelvis are the inclusion in the diet of foods rich in fiber and vitamins (mainly B, A, C, Omega-3 and Omega-6). Fiber is needed to improve intestinal function and eliminate congestion in Organs abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are needed to strengthen vein walls, to reduce blood viscosity. To meet your needs, the diet includes:
- whole grains - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
- vegetables and fruits, berries and fruits, citrus fruits;
- Skinless chicken or turkey fillets;
- seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
- green tea, natural juices, jams.
It is necessary to eat fractionally, giving preference to cooked, boiled and roasted dishes, fresh vegetable salads.
Complications
Unlike varicose veins in the legs, the list of situations where varicose veins in the small pelvis are dangerous in women includes a greater number of negative consequences. In addition to thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis and other exclusively vascular complications, the following may occur in the context of the disease:
- chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal disorders;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- infertility.
This is not the only danger of pelvic varices. As the disease is often exacerbated during pregnancy, there is a threat not only for the woman, but also for the fetus. The main complication of this form of varicose veins, which progresses in the context of pregnancy, is the delay in fetal development. Women with this diagnosis are more likely to give birth to premature babies with low birth weight, underdeveloped lungs, etc.
During delivery, with varicose veins in the groin, the walls of the vessel may rupture. It is fraught with abundant blood loss and can sometimes lead to sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors tend to prescribe a caesarean section followed by ligation of the veins to women with pelvic varices.